Geography undergraduate Michael Hopkins will be taking a year’s break from studying, with the blessing of Swansea University, when he takes up a coveted internship with the Welsh Government.

Michael’s placement will be in the Knowledge and Analytical Services Division where he will be providing research assistance on a number of Welsh Government research and evaluation projects. Michael will provide support for the development and delivery of different types of research projects, such as literature reviews and survey work.

The Welsh Government internships are for social scientists (from economists to human geographers) and are prestigious posts. Applications are sought from all Welsh Universities and only two undergraduate placement posts are offered each year.

When his fellow students will be winding down for the summer vacation Michael will be preparing for the world of work as his placement begins on 2 July.

When he heard the news of his success Michael said: “ When I initially applied for the internship, I didn’t for one second think that I would be the chosen candidate, and the offer of an interview was flattering enough!

“ This placement will hopefully be a mutually-beneficial experience, and I hope to gain both work, and life experience from it. Although it’s a cliché, this internship really was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ that I couldn’t turn down, but it will still be difficult to leave Swansea and my friends behind.”